Puppy biting can be frustrating, especially when those little teeth leave marks on hands, clothes, or furniture. But shouting or punishing rarely helps.
It can confuse your puppy or make them scared.
The goal isn’t to stop all biting straight away; it’s to teach your puppy how to control it.
Here’s how to guide your puppy with patience, calm methods, and clear direction.
Why Puppies Bite
Biting is normal behaviour for puppies.
They explore everything with their mouths, including people.
Puppies also bite during play or to get attention. Sometimes they’re teething, and chewing helps soothe their gums.
The key is not to panic it’s part of growing up.
Biting
If puppies bite too roughly, redirect them to a toy.
They will have more fun biting onto a toy (or something else of interest to them) than human skin!
Alternatively, leave the room and enter with a toy, showing them this is the way they can have fun with you.
Redirect the Energy
Puppies need something safe to chew.
Always have a toy nearby.
If your puppy starts biting hands or clothes, calmly offer a toy instead.
Praise them when they chew that instead of you. This teaches them what’s okay to bite.
Soft plush toys, rope toys, and rubber chews are great options.
You might need to try a few to see what your puppy prefers.
Avoid Rough Play
Games that involve hands, like wrestling, can confuse puppies.
They learn to think that hands are part of the game.
Stick to tug toys or fetch, where your hands stay out of their mouth.
If your puppy gets too excited and starts biting, take a short break.
Be Calm and Consistent
If you lose your temper or shout, your puppy won’t learn faster.
They’ll just feel nervous or unsure.
Stick to the same steps every time they bite; react calmly, stop the play, and redirect.
The more consistent you are, the faster they’ll learn.
Everyone in the house should use the same approach.
If one person encourages rough play and another tries to stop it, the puppy will get mixed signals.
Social Time With Other Dogs
Playing with well-behaved older dogs helps puppies learn limits.
Older dogs often correct younger ones with body language or gentle growls.
Just make sure the other dogs are safe and friendly.
Short, supervised play sessions work best.
Teething Tips
If your puppy is chewing everything in sight, they might be teething.
Offer frozen carrot sticks, chilled puppy-safe chews, or soft rubber toys.
Also raw bones, bully sticks, stuffed kongs or toppls, tracheas, and dried heels.
These give relief without damage. Visit our shop to stock up on these.
Stay Patient
Teaching a puppy not to bite takes time.
Biting won’t stop overnight, but with calm responses and clear signals, it will improve.
Stick to your plan, and your puppy will soon understand what’s okay and what isn’t.
Biting is a phase.
It doesn’t mean your puppy is aggressive or badly behaved.
With a steady hand and a cool head, you can help them grow into a gentle, well-mannered dog without ever needing to raise your voice.
Consider our puppy classes and learn more.